Beer Nut: Yuengling brings new pilsner to Massachusetts

When you've been brewing beer since Andrew Jackson was president, you probably feel you don't have to rush out a new product every year just to keep up with the Joneses.

Such is the case with D. G. Yuengling & Son, Inc., which has been making beer since 1829 as the nation's oldest brewery.

But the iconic Pennsylvania beermaker added its first new year-round product in the past 17 years back in April, and it's now coming here to Massachusetts. As regular readers may know, I have a soft spot for Yuengling, which is located just 20 miles down the road from where my parents grew up in Pennsylvania.

Yuengling Golden Pilsner, a modern pilsner, took 18 months to develop by the Yuengling daughters, who represent the sixth generation of Yuengling brewers.

"Yuengling Golden Pilsner is our unique interpretation of a refreshing pilsner, with all of the qualities consumers have come to expect from Yuengling in a beer that is highly sessionable and full of flavor," said Jen Yuengling, one of the brewers. "We continue to listen to our fans and we saw an opportunity to deliver a new Yuengling beer that complements our core portfolio of iconic beers including Traditional Lager, Light Lager, and Black & Tan."

The brew, which comes in at 4.7 percent, alcohol by volume and has just 135 calories, combines pale and specialty malts with Hallertau and Saaz hops.

"We spent over 18 months developing this beer and believe it is a great choice for outdoor, social and active occasions. We're excited for consumers to try it," Yuengling said.

Beer Notes

* The Northampton Brewery has a new beer coming out just in time for the first day of summer: Solstice d'Ete, a saison beer with a hoppy kick.

* If you haven't made your way over to Fort Hill Brewery in Easthampton on a nice day, make it point to do so. Nestled in a bucolic setting along the city's Fort Hill Road, the venue's outdoor patio is a fantastic way to enjoy one of the brewery's fine creations. (I recommend Fresh Pick IPA.) The only thing that could have made this scenario better, as my friend suggested, was if the patio was on the other side of the brewery, which would afford patrons a sumptuous view of Mount Tom. But either way, it's hard to beat.

* Last but not least, kudos to all the people and venues that made this year's Western Mass Beer Week a success. From beer dinners to trivia nights to Brewer collaborations to the Worthy Craft Beer Showcase, this annual series of events really showcases what a beer destination Western Massachusetts is.